Skip to main content
Category

Industry News

Jun 01

The LEVI Fund Explained – What It Means for EV

By Industry News

Infrastructure Contractors

If you work in EV infrastructure, you’ve probably heard the LEVI fund mentioned. But what exactly is it, who does it affect, and more importantly what does it mean for the civils and groundworks side of EV charging delivery?

This article breaks it down in plain terms.

What is the LEVI Fund?

The Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure fund LEVI is a UK government programme designed to help local authorities in England plan and deliver public EV charging infrastructure. It is administered through the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) and supported by the Energy Saving Trust, Cenex and PA Consulting.

Since its launch in 2022, £381 million in LEVI funding has been issued to help local authorities accelerate public EV infrastructure development, leverage private investment, and deliver over 100,000 new public charge points.

The fund has two elements. Capital funding covers the cost of installing charge points. Capability funding allows local authorities to recruit and train specialist EV infrastructure officers over 350 have been recruited across England, with further recruitment underway.

Where does the LEVI Fund stand in 2026?

The programme is now well into delivery. By March 2026, most LEVI local authorities are expected to have completed their procurement for charge point operators. That means the planning and contracting phase is largely done the focus now shifts to actual installation and delivery on the ground.

A new Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Support Service is expected to launch by April 2026, expanding support beyond local authorities to include a wider range of public sector organisations involved in delivering England’s EV charging network.

In short the money has been allocated, the operators have been selected, and the civils work is beginning in earnest.

What does this mean for EV civils contractors?

This is where it gets relevant for companies like Blackoak.

LEVI funded projects require charge points to be installed and charge points require groundworks. Excavation, drainage, cable ducting, concrete bases, surfacing and reinstatement. All that civils scope must happen before a single charger goes live.

As local authorities move from procurement into delivery through 2026 and beyond, the demand for qualified EV civils contractors will increase significantly. These are not small projects a single local authority deployment could involve dozens of sites across a county, each requiring a full civils package.

For developers and charge point operators working on LEVI funded schemes, choosing the right civils contractor is critical. Delays in groundworks hold up everything downstream the electrical works, the charger installation, the commissioning. Getting the civils scope right from day one is what keeps a programme on track.

What should contractors and developers know?

A few practical points worth bearing in mind as LEVI delivery accelerates:

Volume is increasing. With most local authorities now through procurement, the pipeline of live projects is growing. Civils contractors with relevant experience and capacity will be in demand.

Site types vary. LEVI is primarily focused on on-street residential charging car parks, public spaces, and locations serving residents without off-street parking. The civils requirements on these sites differ from depot or commercial installations and require contractors who understand the specific constraints.

Speed matters. Local authorities are working to delivery timescales tied to their LEVI funding agreements. Programmes that slip create problems at a political and contractual level. Reliable civils delivery on time, on spec is not optional on these projects.

Coordination is key. LEVI projects typically involve multiple parties the local authority, a charge point operator, an electrical contractor, and a civils contractor. Clear communication and a contractor who can work efficiently alongside other trades makes a significant difference to programme delivery.

Planning EV civils works on a LEVI funded scheme?

Blackoak Contracts delivers specialist EV civils groundworks, drainage, ducting and surfacing  for public, commercial and fleet EV charging projects across the UK. We work directly with charge point operators, developers and principal contractors to deliver the civils scope on time and to spec.

Tell us about your project and we’ll come back to you within one working day.

Dec 22

The Future of Electric Car Infrastructure in 2026

By Industry News

As we step into 2026, the landscape of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in the UK is rapidly evolving, driven by technological advancements, government policies, and a growing consumer demand for sustainable transportation. This blog explores the current state of electric car infrastructure, the challenges it faces, and the exciting developments on the horizon.

The Current State of Electric Car Infrastructure

Growth in Charging Stations

Over the past few years, the number of public charging stations in the UK has surged. As of 2026, there are over 45,000 charging points across the country, with a growing network of fast chargers making long-distance travel feasible for EV owners. This expansion is crucial as it alleviates range anxiety—the fear that a vehicle won’t have enough charge to reach its destination.

Types of Charging Stations

The infrastructure comprises several types of public charging stations:

  • Level 2 Chargers: Found in workplaces and public areas, these chargers provide a faster charging option, replenishing a vehicle’s battery in several hours.
  • DC Fast Chargers: These high-powered charging stations can charge an EV to 80% in about 30 minutes. They are strategically located along major highways to support long-distance travel.

Government Initiatives

In response to the growing demand for EVs, the UK government is investing heavily in infrastructure development. Initiatives such as the Road to Zero Strategy aim to create a more robust and accessible charging network. The government has pledged to provide funding to support the installation of charging points and promote the use of electric vehicles, with ambitious targets for phasing out petrol and diesel cars.

Challenges Facing Electric Car Infrastructure

Accessibility and Equity

One significant challenge in expanding electric car infrastructure is ensuring equitable access. Urban areas often have a higher density of charging stations compared to rural regions, which can leave some communities underserved. Addressing this disparity is crucial for promoting widespread EV adoption.

Grid Capacity

As EV adoption increases, so does the demand for electricity. Upgrading the electrical grid to handle this increased load is essential to avoid outages and ensure reliable charging. Smart grid technology, which allows for better energy management and distribution, will play a vital role in this process.

Standardization

The lack of standardization in charging connectors and payment systems can be confusing for consumers. As the market matures, the push for universal charging standards will help streamline the user experience, making it easier for EV owners to charge their vehicles anywhere.

Innovations on the Horizon

Wireless Charging

One of the most exciting developments in EV infrastructure is wireless charging technology. This innovation allows vehicles to charge without being physically connected to a charging station, using electromagnetic fields. As this technology matures, it could lead to charging roads, where vehicles charge as they drive, reducing the need for dedicated charging stops.

Solar-Powered Charging Stations

The integration of solar panels into charging stations is gaining traction. Solar-powered chargers can generate renewable energy, reducing reliance on the grid and enhancing sustainability. This is particularly beneficial in sunny regions, where solar energy can significantly offset charging costs.

Battery Swap Stations

Battery swapping is an alternative approach to traditional charging. Instead of waiting for a battery to charge, drivers can exchange a depleted battery for a fully charged one at dedicated swap stations. This model has been successfully implemented in some markets and could become a mainstream option in the coming years.

The Road Ahead

Consumer Education and Awareness

For electric vehicles to become the dominant mode of transportation, consumer education is essential. As people become more aware of the benefits of EVs and the expanding infrastructure, adoption rates are likely to increase. Automakers and governments must work together to promote the advantages of electric cars, such as lower operating costs and reduced emissions.

Collaboration Among Stakeholders

The future of electric car infrastructure will depend on collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, utility companies, automakers, and charging network providers. By working together, these entities can create a seamless and efficient charging experience for consumers.

The Role of Technology

Advancements in technology will continue to shape the future of electric car infrastructure. From improved battery technologies that extend range to software solutions that optimize charging times based on grid demand, the integration of tech will be crucial in overcoming current challenges.

Conclusion

As we look towards 2026, the electric car infrastructure in the UK is poised for significant transformation. With increased investment, technological innovations, and a focus on equity, the future of electric vehicles looks bright. By addressing current challenges and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, we can build a sustainable and accessible charging network that will support the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, contributing to a cleaner, greener planet.

Jan 19

Road Planing

By Industry News

Road planing, also known as cold planing, asphalt milling, or profiling, is the process of removing some of the surface on a road, allowing a new surface to be directly overlaid onto the sub layers of the existing. Road planing can remove anywhere from just enough thickness to level and smooth the surface, to a full depth removal.

What is the purpose?

One of the main reasons for milling a road surface is the recycling of the materials. The milling machines that tear up the paved surface in order to recycle it into aggregate in order to be used for a brand new aggregate project. Road planing is less time consuming and costly compared to the complete removal of the road surface. Also if only the surface layer is damaged with a pot hole for example, there is no need to remove the entire road surface which is structurally sound. Road planing can also remove distresses from the paved surface, therefore it will leave a smoother finish and longer lasting surface life. These distresses can include:
– Raveling – Aggregate becoming separated from the binder and loose on the road
– Bleeding – The binder (asphalt) coming up to the surface of the road
– Rutting – Formation of low spots in pavement along the direction of travel, usually in the wheel path
– Shoving – a washboard like effect opposite to the direction of travel
– Ride quality – uneven road surface such as swells, bumps, sag, or depressions
– Damage – resulting from accidents and/or fires

Ok, so what are the different types of road planing?

The Asphalt Recycling and Reclaiming Association has defined five classes of road planing. These
classes are the following:
1. Class I – milling to remove surface irregularities
2. Class II – milling to uniform depth as shown on plans and specifications
3. Class III – the same as Class II but with the addition of cross slope
4. Class IV – milling to the base or subgrade (full depth)
5. Class V – milling to different depths at different locations

So what’s the process?

Pavement milling is achieved by using a heavy-duty piece of construction equipment called milling machines, or road planers. These machines use a large, rotating drum that removes and grinds the surface of the asphalt. The carbide cutters which cut the pavement are positioned in such a way that after being cut, the pavement is automatically moved to the centre of the drum, positioned to be collected onto the conveyor belt. For each class of road paving, a different cutter is used, such as micro milling where there are several times as many cutting teeth. These teeth are packed closely together to produce a smoother road surface compared to regular milling drums. Surely the recycled aggregate can’t be used again? Well you would be wrong the recycled aggregate from the paved surface is taken to a facility where under strict conditions it is added to new aggregate and asphalt cement or recycling agent to bind the two mixtures and reduce the mixtures environmental impact. Asphalt planings are often used as an aggregate substitute in highway and commercial construction forming part of a base or subbase material on roads and as a base layer for new build construction, driveways and car parking.

Oct 26
Bitumen Sealing Strips

Why Do You Need to Use Bitumen to Seal Freshly Laid Tarmac Areas?

By Industry News

Bitumen tape is used to seal new tarmac edges into old existing tarmac. Rolled out in strips, it is heated by a blow torch causing it to melt and seal over the joints.

This technique is perfect for using on pothole repair, where the new tarmac meets the old tarmac.

Painting the joints with a brush or spray can leave an uneven finish and may not always seal the joints sufficiently.

With bitumen tape joints are sealed much more neatly and with greater accuracy, giving a longer lasting and higher durability finish.

Why We Use a Compactor (or Whacker) Plate

Compactor plates are mainly used for the compaction of surfaces such as hard core, on areas not accessible by larger machines.

Blackoak Surfacing also use compactor plates for compacting asphalt to go over the surface initially.

This is done post roller and to compact areas close to walls and around man holes creating a neat and tidy finish.

When using a compactor plate on asphalt surfaces, water must be applied to the plate to prevent it sticking to it.

Oct 24
Tarmac Car Park

The Benefits of Well Structured Tarmac Car Parking Areas

By Industry News

As businesses grow and branch out and set up new spaces of work normally parking space becomes a problem, this can be due to the more congested roads and as a side effect of this more & more people snap up public parking spaces.

This can cause stress to  drivers due to the waste of time looking for a place to park, making them an angry worker and have a bad start to the work day. Studies show that workers are 56% less productive if they have a stressful start to the work day. However, to solve this car parking outside the workspace can be created for the person to park easily and without stress and anger causing them to have an easy way into the work day and for them to get straight to work.

What to consider when building or adding to car parks

Design of a car park what does it involve?

Well with work with the planning and design team the car park will be designed to match the customers needs or wants with his or her idea of how it will be used and how the planned car park will be used in accordance to the needs of the customer

From here the planned and agreed on idea of the design of the car park will be acted on with the design team considering the key aspects of what makes a car park easy to use and accessible with the following being carefully thought upon and with the design being based around

  1. 1 Access driveway
  2. 2 Accessible entrance
  3. 3.Size of parking space
  4. Types of vehicles using the car park (if heavy vehicles will use the space provided for services such as delivery’s
  5. Number of car parking spaces needed
  6. Design of the car parking space

In the designing faze much care is taken by the team to make sure that using the car park is stress free and issues do not occur making sure that the design is practical and is satisfactory to use and meets all guidelines and standards needed from such building work and professional team designing such a project

Right what happens after the designs are finished?

After the design of the car park is finished and have be authorised by the authority’s work begins using a professional team to start building the agreed on car park design carefully building it around the design using expert building skills and care to make sure the product matches the exact design agreed on making a very satisfied customer.

Materials such as tarmac will be laid by our crack team creating the base and space and strong structure where the rest of the design can fall into place with a smooth and professional finish making sure that when entering a smooth and easy drive to park can be achieved. From here the defined parking areas will be defined adding areas of disabled parking or heavy vehicle parking can be added depending on the needs of the customer. With the end product showing a very professional car park and project done by both the design team and the building team creating a very happy customer knowing that they have a professional job done and that working from now on is less hassle and a more easy and enjoyable place for the customer and anyone using the space provided to use

Oct 08
Pothole Damage

Are You ‘Tyred’ of Potholes Damaging Your Car?

By Industry News

How to drive over a pothole correctly

When we hear the word pothole the modern driver trembles at the thought due to the associated damages and high repair costs they can bring. However, what if they were a way to drive over these little pains without worry about damage to the vehicle. Here is how to tackle a pothole without your car becoming a wreck

1) Check your car before tackling the road

Now many of us always forget to check our car before tackling the road however, the occasional check on your tires and the air pressure inside the tires may save a later repair. Most of the reason why potholes can cause such damages are that they can shred through the wheels of the vehicle due to aged tires or low pressured tires. So, check your tires giving up a little time will lead to not giving up money!

2)  Check if you can avoid the pothole

Right you have checked your vehicle and it’s on a road and you see a pothole now what do you do? Well obviously the first step is to see if you can avoid the pothole because you can’t damage the car because of a pothole if you don’t drive over it. However, only take this when it is possible and it is acceptable in the eyes of the law to do this.

3)  Slow down

Right there’s no way round the pothole so now what do you do. Well the obvious thought is to slow down. The higher speed a vehicle traverses a pothole only increases the chance and likely hood of damage and frustration to the driver. 60% of the time damages from potholes are due to a vehicles speed being too high to traverse a pothole. So basically, when you see a pothole slow down there’s no point rushing somewhere to damage your vehicle.

4) A firm hold of the wheel

Obviously always on the road a firm hold is necessary but even more so when traversing a pothole. Potholes can make the vehicle shake in all directions due to the sudden change in the smoothness of the road. This can lead the driver if not paying attention to let go of the vehicles wheel leading to untold consequences.

5) The water filled pothole

The all too common silent killer the water filled pothole. This pothole is often never seen by the ordinary driver due to its look as a small puddle however, they can be immensely deep. To tackle this always drive over these with caution and treat them as an ordinary pothole because much like the ocean you never know what lies underneath.